‘Ghost Rider‘ starring Nicolas Cage was expected to launch a big franchise like the rest of the projects created by Marvel Studios. Although the critical reception was not up to the mark, audiences happily accepted the character and because of that, the producers eventually decided to bring a sequel.
The sequel was released a long time back in 2012 and audiences have been wondering all this time if the makers greenlit a third film. However, it’s been more than a decade and there are no updates on when we will get to see ‘Ghost Rider 3.’ The Marvel universe has continued to expand but they have not decided anything on what they are planning to do with Johnny Blaze. Let’s check what has been happening so far.
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Why ‘Ghost Rider’ 3 Might Not Happen
‘Ghost Rider’ was released at a time when superhero movies were not so popular. The first film was a comic book adaptation and it was rated PG-13, which reportedly proved to be a big problem for the film. Although Nicolas Cage was praised for his performance, the storyline, villain, and CGI were criticized.
2008 marked the beginning of MCU and two years later, ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ was released. It was expected to be better than the first film but that did not happen and it was still considered to be a usual superhero film that can be watched once or can be entirely ignored.
MCU has introduced many superheroes with the best of the best powers. Every superhero has proved himself/herself better than the other one and their fanbase has also equally expanded. However, this is also a reason why audiences have almost forgotten ‘Ghost Rider.‘ In case the makers decide to bring a third film, it might turn out to be a box office bomb.
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‘Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance’ Response
Following the release of ‘Ghost Rider’, the producers took four years to release the sequel. But the response towards ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit’ of Vengeance‘ has proved to be a reason why a third film never entered development.
The second film was released in 2012 and it was the same time when MCU entered the second phase. MCU was already leading at the box office and also in critical reception compared to any other big-budget movies of the time. While Cage stated that he was done with the character, he once admitted that the production studio was not ready to make a ‘Ghost Rider’ which would be rated R.
Co-directors of the second film also expressed their regret for their failure to make a film that was darker in tone and featured more violence. The rights eventually went back to Marvel in 2013 and if we consider that, Cage might not reprise his role and the character would get a reboot, which might or might not work in favor of critical response and box office collections.
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